Window tinting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What window tinting is

Window tinting applies a thin film to window glass to cut heat, glare and fading, or to add privacy. The glass is cleaned, and the film is cut and trimmed to fit each pane. People call when a room gets too hot or bright, when furniture and floors are fading, or when they want privacy on ground-floor windows.

Signs you need it

  • A room that runs hot in the afternoon, especially on a west or south window
  • Glare on screens, TVs or work surfaces that makes the room hard to use
  • Fading on carpet, furniture or artwork near a sunny window
  • Ground-floor windows that need privacy from neighbors or the street
  • Glass that has an old, peeling or bubbled film that needs replacing

What the pro does

  • Inspect the glass for scratches, chips and seals, and check whether an old film is present that must be removed
  • Clean the glass thoroughly, removing paint, residue and mineral deposits that would trap bubbles under the film
  • Measure each pane and cut the film a little larger than the glass, then place it with a wet application solution
  • Squeegee the film flat from the center outward to push out water and bubbles, then trim the edges with a sharp blade
  • Let the film cure as the product directs, and check each pane for bubbles, peeling edges and clear visibility

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number and size of windows, and how many panes are in each window
  • Film type, such as heat-reducing, privacy, decorative or safety film, and its shade level
  • Removal of an old film, which takes time and can leave residue to clean
  • Glass type, such as insulated, laminated or tempered glass, which can affect the film choice
  • Access, including upper-story windows and skylights that need extra equipment
  • Whether the film is applied inside, outside or both
  • Warranty on the film and the labor

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each window listed by location, with the pane count and the film type used
  • Film brand, shade level and the features it has, such as glare reduction
  • Removal of any old film and cleanup of residue, listed separately
  • Application side, inside or outside, and the method used
  • Warranty on the film against bubbling, peeling and fading, with the terms
  • Cleanup of the glass and removal of trimmings from the work area

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What film do you recommend for the sun exposure of my windows, and why?
  • Will the film affect the view or the light too much in the room?
  • Can you tint the insulated glass without affecting the seal?
  • What is the warranty on the film, and what does it cover if it bubbles or peels?
  • Do you remove an old film first, and what do you do with the residue?
  • Will the film cause the glass to crack from heat, and how do you check for that?
  • Can you show me a finished install on a window like mine?

Red flags

  • Film applied over dirty glass with no cleaning step, which traps dust and bubbles
  • A film that is much darker than the homeowner asked for, with no sample shown first
  • A quote with no warranty terms for bubbling or peeling
  • Film applied to a window with a cracked or chipped pane without a note on the risk
  • Film sold by shade name alone, with no data sheet showing its heat and light figures

What you can do yourself

You can safely apply film to ground-floor interior windows, after cleaning the glass well and cutting the film a little oversized in a dust-free room. Do not apply film to upper-story or exterior glass from a ladder, and do not work on skylights. Call a pro for large panes, upper-story windows, skylights, and any film that goes on the outside of the glass.

Licenses and permits

Window tinting is commonly done by window film companies and general home service businesses, and rules vary by place. Check with your state and local licensing agency for any requirement that applies to your work, and check the rules on the allowed darkness of film for vehicles or buildings where they apply.

Window tinting questions

Does window film stop the sun's heat completely?

No. Film reduces heat and glare, and the amount depends on the film type and shade level. A pro can show the film data sheet so you can compare the heat and light numbers.

Will the film void my window warranty?

It can, depending on the window maker's rules. Check with the window maker before film goes on, especially on new or insulated glass.

How long does the film last?

It depends on the film, the sun exposure and the cleaning. Ask the installer for the warranty term and what the film needs to stay clear.

Can a film stop the glass from breaking?

Only a safety or security film is designed to hold glass together when it breaks. A heat-reducing film is not a safety product, so ask which film the homeowner needs.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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